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The strictest environmental standards will be shuffled in July when the furniture manufacturing industry
Waterborne coatings are more environmentally friendly than traditional paints, and when combined with effective pollution control measures, they can help meet strict emission standards. Recently, Beijing has introduced five local air pollution emission standards, with the "Emission Standard for Air Pollutants in the Wood Furniture Manufacturing Industry" being particularly notable. Dubbed the most stringent environmental regulation for the furniture sector, this standard not only sets limits on atmospheric pollutants during production but also covers coating properties, usage amounts, production environments, and equipment specifications.
The new standard, officially implemented in July, targets volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from coatings, adhesives, and other materials during processes like spraying and grinding. These emissions may include benzene, particulate matter, and non-methane total hydrocarbons. The updated regulation, known as DB11/1202-2015, was launched on June 1 and aims to reduce VOC emissions significantly.
According to He Fazhen, vice president of the Beijing Furniture Industry Association, one key goal of the new rules is to encourage the use of water-based coatings. Data from the China National Coatings Industry Association shows that oil-based paints account for about 98% of VOC emissions, while water-based paints make up just 2%. He emphasized that by 2017, companies would need to adopt water-based paints along with comprehensive treatment systems to meet the new requirements.
Furniture manufacturers now face a critical decision: either transition to water-based coatings or risk falling out of compliance. This shift requires changes in production lines, increased costs, and adjustments in process management. Experts note that water-based paints produce about 1/10 the VOC emissions of oil-based ones, but their adoption is limited due to higher technical demands and costs. Currently, less than 15% of furniture makers in China use water-based paints.
Switching to water-based coatings involves more than just material changes; it also necessitates modifications in temperature, humidity, drying times, and even product color consistency. Production lines must be reconfigured, and companies must adapt to new operational requirements. As a result, many smaller firms may struggle to keep up, leading to industry consolidation.
The new standard introduces stricter emission limits for four pollutants—benzene, benzene series, non-methane total hydrocarbons, and particulate matter—divided into two implementation periods. The second period, starting in 2017, features much tighter restrictions. For example, particulate matter limits have increased by over 30 times compared to previous standards.
The regulation also mandates monitoring at multiple points, including raw material sources, production areas, and exhaust systems. This approach ensures stricter control over pollution at every stage. Companies must upgrade their facilities and processes to comply, which means undergoing a “rebirth†in terms of operations and management.
The new standard is a major step toward improving Beijing’s air quality. While some highly polluting enterprises have already been shut down, others may relocate to other regions. However, with growing environmental awareness, no place will easily accept excessive pollution. This shift presents an opportunity for the furniture industry to modernize and innovate, ultimately leading to the elimination of outdated, inefficient production methods.
He Hongyi, general manager of Beijing Baiqiang New Home Trading Co., Ltd., noted that transitioning to water-based coatings comes with high costs, especially for solid wood furniture manufacturers. Many top companies have already made the switch, investing heavily in new equipment and processes. In the long run, the new regulations will create a survival-of-the-fittest environment, pushing smaller businesses without competitive advantages out of the market.
For more information on China's furniture industry, visit the official website of Xianghe Furniture City.